I have used this board before and was able to load code onto it with no problem so I am guessing I have my environment setup correctly and the correct bootloader is on. The arduino connects on com3 in the arduino ide. In my computers device manager though I do not see any com3. This is making me guess the arduino has a problem. I removed the ATmega328 microcontroller from the board and connected the rx pin to the tx pin and tried sending data through the serial terminal, but there doesnt seem to be a loopback.

I had the same problem with my Uno. I first check it on annother computer, OK. Tried everything I could get in forums but no joy. Uninstalling WinAVR solved the problem. Can not tell why but it did. Have not installed WinAVR again.

I had the same error as well, and you can try clicking the reset button right after it says " binary sketch uploaded..." and you can try clicking reset just before, as soon as you power the arduino etc.

Keep pressing reset as different time as my problem was solved by pressing reset right after the arduino is powered.